Babin introduces SUSHI Act to empower NIST in tackling illegal fishing and poaching.

County officials plan airport enhancements while announcing grants for local community projects.

The Development Bank of Namibia  recently launched the Youth Fund, a loan scheme ostensibly designed to empower young Namibians to start businesses and create economic opportunities. Yet, the Fund sits idle, with “little to no uptake” from the very demographic it seeks to uplift. This scenario is both perplexing and revealing, pointing to deeper systemic flaws in how youth-targeted economic interventions are conceptualized and implemented in Namibia. The Youth Fund’s poor performance raises the fundamental question: was it designed with the realities of young Namibians in mind? Debt, particularly in the context of a weak job market and an unforgiving economic climate, is a daunting prospect. Many youths already struggle under the weight of existing financial burdens, including the contentious NASFAF student loan repayments. To ask them to take on more debt—without simultaneously creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship is to ask them to take a leap of faith over a chasm. It is easy to label Namibian youth as risk-averse. But risk aversion does not emerge in a vacuum it is born from experience. Too many young people have seen peers venture into business, only to fail due to lack of mentorship, limited access to markets, or suffocating bureaucracy. Without robust support structures, training, mentorship, access to networks, simply throwing money at the youth will not yield results. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya have demonstrated that youth funds succeed only when paired with incubation hubs, business development services, and market access initiatives. In Rwanda, the YouthConnekt initiative integrates financing with mentorship and networking, ensuring that beneficiaries are not only funded but guided to success. Namibia’s Youth Fund appears to lack these critical wrap-around services. The narrative that Namibian youth are entitled, expecting “free land” or handouts, is often wielded to dismiss their legitimate grievances. While entitlement may exist in pockets, it is reductive to use this as the primary explanation for the Fund’s failure. The youth have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to work hard when given meaningful opportunities. The problem lies not in their character but in a system that routinely fails to create environments where effort translates into success. The timing of the Youth Fund’s launch may also have contributed to its dormancy. Namibia’s youth are grappling with high unemployment, economic uncertainty, and lingering mistrust of institutions. Without aggressive outreach, transparent communication, and demonstrations of success stories, skepticism is inevitable. Did DBN consult youth organizations? Did they conduct a feasibility study to understand what kind of financial instruments the youth actually need, grants, equity financing, or low-interest micro-loans? The evidence suggests they did not. Namibia can learn from other countries where youth-targeted funds have thrived. In Nigeria, the Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Program combines loans with technical and managerial training. In Ghana, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan (NEIP) offers grants alongside business incubation. The common denominator? These programs do not treat youth financing as a standalone silver bullet; they embed it within a larger ecosystem of support. The broader question emerging from this debacle is: who truly represents Namibian youth today? Many of the voices that once championed youth causes have been co-opted into the very systems they once opposed. The free land demonstrations are a stark reminder of how quickly movements can be diluted when leadership trades advocacy for comfort. Without strong, independent youth leadership to articulate their needs, policies like the Youth Fund risk being top-down impositions that fail to resonate. The DBN Youth Fund, in its current form, is not just a missed opportunity, it is a case study in how not to design youth policy. Namibia must move beyond tokenistic gestures and develop holistic programs that combine financing with mentorship, capacity building, and access to markets. Above all, policies must be informed by genuine consultation with the youth themselves, not assumptions about what they need. If Namibia wants its young people to embrace entrepreneurship, it must first build a bridge of trust, capacity, and opportunity. Until then, the Youth Fund will remain what it is today: a dormant pool of potential, waiting for a spark that never comes.

Committee endorses rezoning from R2 to Ag2 for agritourism at 452 Old Cemetery Road.

The government has proposed an allocation of N$28.8 million for a series of feasibility studies aimed at upgrading and expanding airport infrastructure. This was part of the budget motivation vote that was tabled by finance minister Ericah Shafudah on Wednesday. According to Shafudah, the allocation is in an effort to prepare for rising passenger volumes and capitalise on new economic opportunities, particularly in the green hydrogen sector. “This investment is essential to ensure that we are adequately prepared to meet increasing passenger volumes,” she said. The feasibility study will be carried out to assess the development needs and enhance quality of service at Hosea Kutako International Airport. The planned studies will include the potential development of a second passenger terminal at Hosea Kutako International Airport, which remains the country’s primary international gateway. Additionally, the feasibility work will also be conducted for Rundu and Katima Mulilo airport The proposal also includes renovation and upgrade studies for airports at Lüderitz and Walvis Bay. “These studies are not just about infrastructure. They are about positioning Namibia to fully leverage the opportunities emerging from the growing green hydrogen industry, improve regional air connectivity, and support the growth of our tourism sector,” said Shafudah. The government has also allocated N$15 million for the recruitment of an aviation expert and a feasibility study on establishing a national airline “Of the N$2.6 billion allocated to the programme, an amount of N$15 million has been allocated for the recruitment of an aviation expert which is crucial for an economic feasibility study on establishing a national airline,” said Shafudah. Last month, presidential spokesperson Alfredo Hengari highlighted president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s plans to relaunch Air Namibia. He said this in response to an editorial published in The Namibian, titled ‘Point of Clarity, Madam President’. Hengari said a market study is expected to be completed by June, while an expression of interest for a public-private partnership is to be finalised by August 2026. Hengari said negotiations should be concluded by December 2025, and the launch and official operation of the new airline are anticipated between June and December 2026. The post Govt proposesN$28.8m for airport feasibility studies appeared first on The Namibian.

Developers accelerate solar initiatives amid expiring incentives and increasing competition.

By Federico Maccioni and Jana Choukeir DUBAI (Reuters) -Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways remains unaffected by recent turmoil from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, its CEO Antonoaldo Neves told Reuters on Monday, noting that it was still too early to fully gauge the effects of the levies. Trump’s announcement, and subsequent pause, of sweeping tariffs targeting dozens of the United States’ trading partners earlier this month created widespread market uncertainty and raised fears of a global economic downturn. Neves said the airline had recorded strong seat occupancy levels in recent weeks despite the trade tensions, and added that the global volatility could even create opportunities in some instances. He expects more Europeans, for example, to take advantage of the euro’s recent gains against the dollar and the region’s dollar-pegged currencies. "It means that the euro now is stronger when you compare it to the Middle Eastern currency ... So I expect to see more Europeans coming," Neves said on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market fair in Dubai. Neves’ comments echoed fellow Gulf airline Riyadh Air, which earlier on Monday said the global economic uncertainty had not reduced demand for travel to the Saudi capital. If tariff-induced turmoil does eventually impact passenger numbers, Neves said Etihad, which has a fleet of around 100 aircraft, had a contingency plan and can rely on its flexibility. "About 60% of our planes are unencumbered, so they’re all fully paid for. If I get a crisis one day, I park planes ... and save 75% of the cost," he said. Etihad, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion wealth fund ADQ, is planning to fly to over 125 airports by 2030 as part of the oil-rich emirate’s efforts to diversify its economy and become a global travel hub.

Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo on Wednesday expressed disappointment at the low attendance during a Hyphen Hydrogen Energy stakeholder engagement at the Nkurenkuru Expo Hall. Sinimbo pointed out the numerous empty chairs and said such events are crucial for informing Namibians about government initiatives and potential economic opportunities. “We expected this hall to be filled by unemployed youth,” the governor said, questioning why invitations were not more widely extended. She further said the meeting is more than just an industrial initiative and is a step towards inclusive economic transformation that could create long-term employment in the Kavango West region. Stressing the national significance, Sinimbo referenced president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision of creating employment opportunities for youth and supporting small and medium enterprises. “The green hydrogen project was positioned as a key strategy in Namibia’s transition to renewable energy and a potential catalyst for Africa’s green industrial revolution,” said Sinimbo. Hyphen senior economic development manager for procurement Johannes Shipepe highlighted hydrogen as a game-changer for Namibia’s economy. He said the sector has the power to create thousands of jobs and signals that the country is on the right path towards driving its industrial future. “Notably, the project emphasises local employment, with 23 of its 25 current team members being Namibian nationals. The initiative is expected to generate 50 000 jobs during construction and 3 000 permanent positions during operations,” said Shipepe. He stated that beyond export potential, the project would provide additional benefits to local communities, including excess water and electricity supply to nearby towns and farms, addressing critical infrastructure challenges. Nkurenkuru mayor Jafet Muti expressed his excitement, saying he was pleased to learn more about the socio-economic development framework of the project. “From job creation and skills development to infrastructure improvements and entrepreneurship support, this project has the potential to uplift lives and stimulate sustainable economic growth,” said Muti. – Nampa The post Sinimbo criticises low turnout at Hyphen Hydrogen engagement appeared first on The Namibian.

Representative Brown emphasizes joint efforts and community ties between South Dakota tribes.

New Executive Order emphasizes deregulatory focus in fishing management under Biden administration.

Senate discusses multiple bills including COPPA 2 and critical infrastructure manufacturing act.

County leaders outline strategies to manage environmental impact of growing data centers.

Cheyenne residents highlight strong community spirit and pride in local heritage and career prospects.

SB 336 clarifies that short-term rentals are permissible in residential-zoned areas of Montana.

Hyphen engages Southern Namibia on local content opportunities  Namibia Economist

Commission grants approval for Douglas Station to promote urban center development.

The proposed legislation seeks to enhance battery recycling practices and market opportunities.

Alaska's marine industry prioritizes local job training for village residents amid AVTECH funding reductions.

Allexer Namundjembo Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti has called for the formalisation of cultural entrepreneurship.  He says this move will help unlock economic opportunities and promote sustainable development. Speaking at a recent training workshop for cultural entrepreneurs in the cultural heritage sector held in Swakopmund, Ballotti said the country’s rich cultural heritage can support livelihoods and contribute to the national economy when used effectively. “We must formalise the hustle. Why are we afraid of formalisation?” he asked.  “Formalisation is key to accessing finance, mentorship, and markets which are essential for scaling and sustaining our creative and cultural enterprises,” he added.  He urged cultural entrepreneurs, many of whom operate informally, to register and grow their businesses. “When people ask you what you do, respond proudly: ‘Ek maak geld’—‘I make money,” he said, encouraging a mindset shift that embraces cultural work as a serious economic activity. He pointed to the Arts, Heritage and Culture Policy, which recognises culture as a key part of sustainable development.  He announced that the cultural and creative industries have now been included as a strategic priority under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6). President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to launch ND6 today.  “This is the government’s commitment to place culture at the centre of economic transformation,” Ballotti said. He praised institutions like FNB and DBN for supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises.  “I encourage all entrepreneurs here to engage meaningfully with these financial partners and explore the opportunities available.” Ballotti also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities to build an environment where cultural businesses can grow. “When culture thrives, communities flourish, jobs are created, and the soul of our nation is sustained,” he said. He urged educators to teach culture as more than just history, encouraged young people to explore creative ventures, and called on leaders to view cultural investment as a national priority. “Cultural entrepreneurship is not merely about business. It is about empowering Namibians to tell their stories, grow their enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth and identity.” The Swakopmund follows the first national cultural entrepreneurship forum held in 2023 which also focused on linking the country’s  heritage and economic development.

Mayor presents a budget with vital investments following a recent city tragedy.

FRCDA plans to enhance housing and homelessness support with $4.9 million in grants.

Commission addresses concerns over legal expenses and lack of product availability.